On March 25, the San Jose City Council unanimously approved a $1.6 million settlement to Anthony Paredes, a resident of Santa Clara, following a severe attack by a police dog named Tex. The lawsuit, filed by Paredes, accused the city, the San Jose Police Department, canine officers Michael Jeffrey and Kyle Alleman, and Officer Bret Hatzenbuhler of violating his civil rights and using excessive force.

According to court documents, the incident occurred on February 7, 2020, when Paredes’ girlfriend allegedly attempted to steal alcohol from a grocery store but was detained by a security guard. Paredes approached the store but fled upon noticing the guard holding his girlfriend and the subsequent police call. The incident was initially described as a "strong-arm robbery" as no weapons were involved, though police later alleged that Paredes possessed a "bladed weapon."

Paredes hid nearby, prompting a police search assisted by a helicopter. After approximately an hour, officers located him concealed in a trash can. Police knocked the trash can over, ordered Paredes to exit three times, and upon compliance, commanded Tex to apprehend him. Due to the angle of his exit, Paredes’ head and neck emerged first, resulting in the dog biting into his throat.

Court documents and police body camera footage detail officers’ repeated but unsuccessful efforts to command Tex to release his bite. Initially, verbal commands failed, followed by unsuccessful attempts at a physical release and the activation of a shock collar. Tex held onto Paredes’ neck for approximately one minute, causing severe injuries including multiple broken bones, bruises, nerve damage, a fractured neck bone, and a partially crushed vertebra.

Body camera footage captured Paredes screaming in pain as blood gushed from his head and neck. In their struggle to release the dog's grip, officers inadvertently lifted and threw Paredes into the air.

Commenting on the settlement, Paredes’ attorney remarked, "You can't undo what's been done to my client, but it is a substantial settlement. There's something sweet about the police having to pay Anthony after he had to take his licks from them."

Paredes pleaded guilty to charges related to assisting his girlfriend in the theft, accepting a plea deal.